The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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right there," Gardner said. "Last year, we had a few faults where it just escaped us. The way we've been working this winter and this spring, it's not going to be an issue. When we need that big play, we're going to get that big play. When we need the extra yard, we're going to get it." Some of those big yards will obviously come behind fifth-year senior left tackle Taylor Lewan. Much has been written and said about his decision to forego NFL riches for a year and help lead the Wolverines back to a Big Ten title. He stands as another key ingredient in Michigan's teaching and leadership process. He'll carry plenty of weight when it comes to how the Wolverines go about their business in the months of training leading up to the Aug. 31 opener versus Central Michigan at The Big House. Only one player will have the ball in his hands on every snap, though. That's Gardner, and he's committed to readiness at the highest level. "You can't take days off," Gardner assured. "You can't let your hard work flutter. That's when someone else is getting better than you." Thomas Gordon Shows The Way On the defensive side of the football, Michigan doesn't lack leadership candidates. A number of veteran performers return after solid seasons, such as fifth-year senior tackle Quinton Washington. Hoke made his expectation clear about another fifth-year senior, one who admits he's not a big talker. Gordon, a fifth-year senior safety and one of several veterans ready to lead on the U-M defense, sets the tone on and off the field by example. photo by lon horwedel According to the head coach, safety Thomas Gordon has to serve as a take-charge guy amid a wealth of young talent. "Thomas has had a real solid, real good spring," Hoke noted. "He's been very much the leader." Gordon himself understands the situation completely. Jordan Kovacs, the highly verbal safety and captain from last year's crew, has moved on. While the fifth-year senior waves off comparisons between himself and Kovacs, drawing the chatter distinction, he knows he'll be looked at to lead in a number of ways. Gordon promised he's ready for that challenge. "It's taking control of this team, leading the young guys," Gordon said. "We have a really young team. He's expecting me to be a leader and